Preparing Your Lawn for the Winter Season in Perth
- Steve Hargreaves
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
As the cooler months settle in, many Perth homeowners wonder how to best care for their lawns during winter. While it’s tempting to let your turf “rest,” winter lawn care is crucial for maintaining strong roots, preventing disease, and ensuring vibrant regrowth come spring.
In this blog, we’ll answer some of the most common winter lawn care questions and show how Positively Green can help keep your lawn healthy, green, and ready for the seasons ahead.
Why Does My Lawn Go Dormant in Winter?
Cooler temperatures and reduced sunlight cause most warm-season grasses—like Sir Walter Buffalo, Kikuyu, and Wintergreen Couch—to enter dormancy. This means slower growth and minimal nutrient uptake. While this is normal, it’s not a reason to neglect your lawn.
Dormant lawns still need proper care to avoid common winter issues like compaction, fungal disease, or poor spring recovery.
How Should I Mow My Lawn Before Winter?
Final Cut: Give your lawn a slightly shorter mow before winter sets in—about 30% lower than your usual height. This helps reduce thatch buildup and makes it easier for sunlight to reach the crown of the grass.
Avoid Scalping: Never scalp the lawn too low, as this exposes roots to the cold and increases weed vulnerability.
Should I Fertilise My Lawn in Winter?
Yes—But Use the Right Fertiliser: Apply a slow-release fertiliser high in potassium during mid-to-late autumn. This helps build stronger roots and improves your lawn’s ability to withstand colder, wetter conditions. Potassium also enhances disease resistance and nutrient absorption.
Ask our team about liquid foliar feeds—specifically those rich in iron and trace elements—which can help improve turf colour and resilience without overstimulating growth during dormancy.
Explore our lawn products made for Perth conditions.
Do I Still Need to Water in Winter?
Winter Watering is Not Required: In Perth, winter watering is not required - and it’s illegal under Water Corporation restrictions. From 1 June to 31 August, residential irrigation systems must remain off.
Instead, focus on good drainage, soil health, and reticulation maintenance to ensure your system is ready for spring.
Should I Aerate Before Winter?
Absolutely! Winter prep is an ideal time for aeration, especially in compacted or high-traffic areas. This process improves oxygen and nutrient uptake and prevents waterlogging, which is common during Perth’s wetter months.
Ask about our seasonal lawn renovation Perth services for customised support.
Is Weed Control Important in Winter?
Yes - Weeds Don't Rest: As your lawn slows down, winter weeds like bindii, clover, and winter grass take the opportunity to thrive. Prevent this by applying a selective herbicide early in the season or exploring eco-friendly, non-chemical weed control options.
Our team can tailor a treatment approach to suit your grass variety and soil type.
How Can I Keep My Lawn Healthy in Winter?
Instead of using colour guard sprays, we recommend foliar feeding with premium liquid fertilisers. Products high in iron and trace elements can improve lawn colour and health without encouraging excessive growth or overstressing dormant grass.
This subtle yet effective approach supports your lawn through the off-season, preparing it for a strong return in spring.
Want the real green? Let us guide you through turf variety upgrades with our premium roll-on turf options, including Sir Walter Buffalo, Kikuyu, and Wintergreen Couch.
Book a Lawn Consultation This Winter
Preparing your lawn for Perth’s winter doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you need fertilising, aeration, or a full lawn health check, Positively Green is here to help.
💚 $99 Lawn Consultation – Redeemable off your first invoice
💚 Home Visits by Lawn Experts – Led by Mike Maartensz and team
💚 Tailored Plans – Based on your lawn’s variety, soil health, and lifestyle